Psychedelic hallucinations

Hallucinogen A drug that disturbs sensory perception. Visual hallucinations are the most common effect of the psychedelic drug LSD. In contrast, auditory hallucinations predominate in schizophrenia. 

The leaves of various Heimia species (sinicuichi to the natives), found in the highlands of Central and South America, are reputedly psychedelic. One species is also found in the southern US. The hallucinations are mainly auditory and the active compound appears to be cryogenine (vertine). 

Designer drugs are mind-altering and can produce hallucinations. For these reasons, they are often called psychoactive or psychedelic. Designer drugs produce their effects by altering the way nerve cells (neurons) in the brain communicate with each other (Figure 1.1). 

Because Ecstasy can produce mild hallucinations, it is often referred to as a psychedelic drug having effects similar to those of LSD. Unlike other psychedelic drugs, however, Ecstasy does not produce vivid perceptual and visual distortions, like walls and ceilings turning into liquid. Rather, the perception of colors, sound, music, and touch appears to be intensified by Ecstasy. In addition, the perception of time may be slowed or otherwise altered. 

Figure 6.2 The chemical structure of ketamine (top) is related to the psychedelic PCP (bottom). Both chemicals produce strong hallucinations and psychedelic effects. However, while the effects of ketamine may only last an hour, the effects of PCP can last several hours after the drug is taken.

The psychedelic effects of dimethyltryptamine are best described as overwhelming, extraordinary and extreme giving some of the most realistic, remarkable and far out visual, audible and physical hallucinations obtainable. Unfortunately, dimethyltryptamine hallucinations last a little under an hour and it is ineffective if eaten, so it must be sniffed or smoked (not very pleasurable). Some of the tryptamines (usually the more powerful ones) are active orally, such as psilocyn (5 mg) and last over 4 hours. 

Psychedelics (LSD) and other psy-chotomimetics such as mescaline and psilocybin can induce states of altered awareness, or induce hallucinations and anxiety, probably mediated by 5-HT2A receptors. Overactivity of these receptors may also play a role in the genesis of negative symptoms in schizophrenia (p. 238) and sleep disturbances. 

I have not had drug-induced psychedelic experiences, although many people who read my Neoreality books seem to think I have had chemically enhanced hallucinations. In some sense, I have to put a damper on my creativity and visions. Some of my publishers even tell me I write too much and should slow down. Nevertheless, my mind, visions, and ideas continually fly. As Salvador Dali said, I am the drug ... 

That meant that both Freud and James had been correct in predicting that hallucinations and delusions could be chemically mediated, but it remained to specify how altered chemistry could lead to altered consciousness. The 1953 discovery of REM sleep and its associations with dreaming promised to provide an answer. If the hallucinations and delusions of normal dreaming were themselves chemically mediated, we could compare that chemistry with the chemistry of psychosis and the chemistry of psychedelic visions. 

It occurred to me later that the psychedelic drugs might be a powerful technique for brainwashing I would suppose that after a period of being incessantly harassed by hallucinations, a person might promise anything for release from this state. 

Psychedelics LSD Mescaline Phencyclidine (PCP] Psilocybin Hallucinogens Oral may also be smoked or inhaled Altered perception and insight distorted senses disinhibition Severe hallucinations panic reaction acute psychotic reactions ... 

---